A Famine Not of Bread

And [Jesus] said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ ...

"The Barren Fig Tree" by Eugene Burnand Click here to listen to this sermon. There were some present at that very time who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:1-5). Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! What’s this about some Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices? We don’t know a lot. Only Luke, but no other New Testament nor extra-biblical source, reports this tragic event. From Luke’s description we deduce this much. The Roman g...

Kilbennan St. Benin's Church Window Green beer, parades, corned beef and cabbage, wearing green. It appears everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Like many holidays, St. Patrick’s Day has become known more for its secular activities, while the reason the Christian church observes this day fades in memory. On March 17 th , the Church remembers and thanks the blessed Trinity for St. Patrick, Missionary to Ireland. As we consider Patrick’s life, it is hard to separate fact from fiction. Historian Stephen Neill remarks: “Much in [Patrick’s] life history is obscure, and later legend has confused still more the scanty data which we have from Patrick’s own pen.” One of those legends would have it that Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland into the sea. Another has him using a shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity, three persons in one God, to an unbeliever. There is also a legend that Patrick and his company were miraculously spared from death in ambush when those lyin...

  Click here to listen to this sermon. At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus], “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Luke 13:31-35). Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! When your enemies act like your friends, watch out! You know things are getting dangerous when that happens. The Phari...

  Click here to listen to this sermon. "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved” ( Philippians 3:17 - 4:1). Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! “Set a good example.” You’ve probably heard this before. “Parents, do you want your children to grow up in the Christian faith? Set a good example!” “Son, you’re the oldest. Set a ...

"Temptation of Christ" by Vasily Surinov Click here to listen to this sermon. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, He was hungry. The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to Him, “To You I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If You, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’” And he took Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourse...